Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely unselected naturalized type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass with a medium texture. It maintains a deep green color in summer and goes dormant (turning tan/brown) in winter. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot shaped spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green to dark green color, folded vernation, hairy ligule, absent auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; very fast establishment.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous (highly aggressive spreading)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours), low to moderate water needs, exceptionally high drought tolerance, prefers well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common types; high frequency (weekly); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft/year; high dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Extreme wear tolerance, excellent salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, high recovery speed from damage, crowds out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens and ornamental beds.